Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Fazlur Rehman seek dialogue on AJK crisis

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Fazlur Rehman

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Fazlur Rehman have called for dialogue and political engagement to resolve the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The two leaders stressed that negotiations and constitutional mechanisms remain the only effective way to restore peace and stability in the region.

Speaking after a meeting in Islamabad, they urged both the government and protest organisers to avoid confrontation and work towards a peaceful settlement of the crisis.

Fazlur Rehman revealed that representatives of the recently banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee had approached him and requested his mediation efforts.

He said the group had formally asked him to facilitate talks between the authorities and protest leaders to help end the political deadlock.

According to the JUI-F chief, political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and democratic consultation rather than through conflict and confrontation.

He expressed hope that the federal government would respond positively to mediation efforts and take meaningful steps towards a peaceful resolution.

Fazlur Rehman also said he had received support from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding his mediation initiative despite the PPP being part of the ruling coalition at the federal level.

Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated his support for dialogue and offered to play any role necessary to help resolve the situation in Azad Kashmir.

He said political problems require political solutions and stressed that discussions and negotiations were essential for lasting peace.

Bilawal urged the federal government to cooperate with all efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting reconciliation in the region.

He also appealed to protest organisers and activists to remain within constitutional and legal boundaries while pursuing their demands.

Expressing concern over developments in the region, the PPP chairman warned that inflammatory rhetoric and irresponsible content on social media could further aggravate tensions.

He said all stakeholders should act responsibly to protect peace and political stability in Azad Kashmir.

The two leaders also discussed preparations for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections scheduled later this month.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to cooperate politically and jointly contest the elections in the region.

Bilawal announced that the PPP and JUI-F intended to work together in the upcoming electoral process and expressed confidence that the alliance would strengthen democratic politics in Azad Kashmir.

The issue of refugee-reserved seats in the legislative assembly also came under discussion during the meeting.

Bilawal said the matter had reached a political deadlock and could only be resolved through constitutional amendments and legislative procedures.

He argued that protests and sit-ins alone would not lead to changes in constitutional arrangements governing the allocation of reserved seats.

According to the PPP chairman, any reforms regarding representation in the assembly must be achieved through parliamentary consensus and democratic institutions.

Bilawal also disclosed that protest leaders had previously been invited to participate in broader political consultations and dialogue forums but had chosen not to attend.

He reiterated his willingness to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute regardless of political consequences.